Jacob Wirtschafter

GlobalPost
protest

Early marriage figures for Iraq are startling. Child advocates worry it could rise even more.

Between 2013 and 2017, falling oil prices, the rampaging Islamic State and other internecine conflicts shrunk Iraq’s GDP from $235 billion to $197 billion. In the same period, early marriage for young women and girls skyrocketed.

Early marriage figures for Iraq are startling. Child advocates worry it could rise even more.
Iraqi men work on the campaign posters of candidates ahead of May's parliamentary election, in Baghdad, Iraq, April 14, 2018.

Young Iraqis have reason to be disillusioned with politics. Instead, many are backing a new generation of leaders.

Young Iraqis have reason to be disillusioned with politics. Instead, many are backing a new generation of leaders.
Jordan's King Abdullah II welcomes Prime Minister and Vice-President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum during a reception ceremony at the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan, March 28, 2017.

Young Arabs have a message for their leaders: Security is about more than war and terrorism

Young Arabs have a message for their leaders: Security is about more than war and terrorism
An anti-government protester participates in demonstrations against Egyptian President Hosni Mubarakin in front of the presidential palace in Cairo, Feb. 11, 2011.

These young Egyptians led a revolution. Now their frustrations are mounting under Sisi.

These young Egyptians led a revolution. Now their frustrations are mounting under Sisi.
A US soldier of the 2nd Platoon Charlie Troop, 3rd Squadron of 61st Cavalry Regiment questions a man with an interpreter (R) while on patrol with Iraqi National Police in a suburb of Baghdad, March 7, 2007.

Iraqi translators who served the US military are desperate for an exemption to Trump's travel ban

Iraqi translators who served the US military are desperate for an exemption to Trump's travel ban
Egypt baby formula breast exam

Egypt is requiring breast exams for women seeking subsidized baby formula

The controversial rule is part of austerity measures the government is imposing to lower its debt. That includes rationing baby formula, which costs this nation $51 million annually in scarce foreign currency reserves.

Egypt is requiring breast exams for women seeking subsidized baby formula
A participant reacts towards protesters as he takes part in the annual Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem

In much of the Middle East, it's getting more dangerous to be gay

Beirut, Lebanon, may be the one Arab capital where LGBT people are increasingly comfortable and safe.

In much of the Middle East, it's getting more dangerous to be gay

The job market for terror recruits is booming

And the competition for their membership is fiercer than ever.

The job market for terror recruits is booming